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Holly Upgren
Associate Marketing Manager - Corporate Partnerships at Polaris Inc.
Professional Background
Holly Upgren is a dedicated professional with a rich background in the sports business sector. Her career trajectory showcases her expertise in various areas of marketing and sponsorship sales, with a focus on results-oriented strategies that benefit both organizations and clients. Currently, Holly serves as the Associate Marketing Manager for Corporate Partnerships at Polaris Inc., where she continues to make significant contributions to brand partnerships and sponsorship activation.
Before joining Polaris, Holly was the Campaign Manager at AllOver Media, where she executed impactful marketing campaigns and fostered strategic relationships. Her previous role as the Director of Marketing at The Institute for Athletes allowed her to delve deep into the intricacies of athlete marketing and endorsement activation, showcasing her ability to enhance athlete visibility and brand alignment. Holly's experience also includes managing partnership activations with the Minnesota Wild, where her skills in client management and event planning were critical to the success of various initiatives.
In addition to her corporate experiences, Holly has honed her public speaking and presentation skills through her work as an event emcee and on-air personality, particularly as the Editor-in-Chief and Web Series Host at row27 studios. Her wide-ranging expertise is complemented by event planning leadership, having served as an Area Manager for the NFL Experience during Super Bowl XLVI, which highlights her capacity to manage large-scale events within high-pressure situations.
Education and Achievements
Holly Upgren studied Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Marketing and Management at Indiana University Bloomington. This educational background has provided her with a solid foundation in sports management principles and marketing strategies, essential for navigating the complexities of the sports world. Her academic experience at Indiana University also laid the groundwork for her involvement in the university's women's basketball program, where she served as a student manager. This role allowed her to gain firsthand insights into the operations of a collegiate sports team while simultaneously fostering her passion for sports marketing and management.
Notable Skills & Expertise
Holly's multifaceted career allows her to excel in numerous key areas:
- Sponsorship Sales & Activation: Developing and executing strategies that connect brands with sports partnerships.
- Endorsement Activation & Athlete Marketing: Effectively promoting athletes and enhancing their marketability.
- Client Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction and success in the activation process.
- Event Planning & Management: Organizing successful events that create engagement and promote brands effectively.
- Marketing & Branding: Developing targeted marketing strategies that align brands with audiences in the sports landscape.
- Social Media Management: Utilizing various social platforms to elevate brand presence and engage with fans.
- Event Emcee & On-Air Personality: Bringing energy and enthusiasm to live events, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
Holly's results-oriented mindset is evident in her diverse experiences and achievements. She has a knack for connecting with others, evidenced by her StandOut Assessment results identifying her as both a Connector and Stimulator, making her a perfect fit for the dynamic world of sports marketing.
Achievements
- Over ten years of experience in various aspects of sports marketing and management.
- Proven track record in sponsorship sales and activation for multiple organizations.
- Successfully managed large-scale events, including the NFL Experience at Super Bowl XLVI.
- Developed numerous marketing campaigns that significantly increased engagement and brand visibility for clients.
- Recognized for exceptional client management skills that contribute to long-lasting brand partnerships.
Location
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